Born Farrokh Bulsara on September 5th. 1946 on the island of
Zanzibar, he was nicknamed Freddie in 1954 when he was sent to
boarding school near Bombay. It was here that he learned to
play the piano. Returning to Zanzibar in 1962, schooling
completed, he did little until the family migrated to England
in 1964. Then studying hard, he gained an 'A' level in Art at
Isleworth College, enabling him entrance to Ealing College of
Art in 1966. The following year he left home, moving in with a
friend in Kensington, the 'arty' area frequented by 'the in
crowd'. Freddie's debut performance was in 1969 in Bolton with
a band called "Ibex". Later that year he auditioned for
vocalist job with a band called "Sour Milk Sea" and soon
became their lead singer. Then in 1970 he joined "Smile" as
lead singer.
Freddie decided the band should be re-named "Queen", changing
his name
to "Mercury" at the same time.
Suffering with AIDS, and not wishing anyone to know, Freddie's
last public performance was in Barcelona on October 8th. 1988,
though he continued composing and recording songs. He died
peacefully at his home in London on November 24th. 1991 of
AIDS related bronchial pneumonia.
singer.
Freddie decided the band should be re-named "Queen", changing
his 
